French skier, Richard Gravier, on the piste

The French love sport and keeping fit. The most popular sports are football, rugby, cycling, ski-ing, tennis, and golf. A popular traditional game in France is boules. In 1998 the football World Cup was held in France, and the French team won the trophy for the first time, beating the favourites, Brazil, by three goals to nil. Throughout the country people gathered together to celebrate their team's victory. In Paris, thousands of people crowded the Champs Elysées for an all night party. Car racing is also popular in France. The Le Mans 24-hour rally and the Monaco Grand Prix are big sporting events which attract many spectators. Ski-ing is a favourite activity in mountainous regions of France such as the Alps, the Pyrénées, and the Massif Central. Many French children learn to ski almost as soon as they are able to walk! Lots of tourists visit the French ski resorts, such as Val d'Isère and Chamonix.

Photo from http://www.gravier.com

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